At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead financial strategy and empower teams to deliver impactful services.
- Company: Join a mission-driven charity transforming lives for over 50 years.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities to visit international programmes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while advancing your finance career.
- Qualifications: Recognised accountancy qualification and experience in leading high-performing teams.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 Β£ per year.
Drive financial excellence and join a mission with purpose at senior level. Join a mission-driven charity as Head of Finance and guide a high-performing team at the heart of life-changing international support work. For over 50 years, The Gurkha Welfare Trust has delivered essential welfare, medical, and community support to people who need it most, including extensive programmes across Nepal.
With a strong heritage of compassion, resilience and service, they provide financial aid, medical care, safe housing, disaster relief, and community development initiatives that transform lives. Their work is rooted in dignity, respect, and long-term impact, ensuring vulnerable communities are supported with practical help, sustainable solutions, and unwavering commitment.
Why Join? This is a rare opportunity to use your financial expertise to create real, measurable impact. You'll join a compassionate, mission-led team dedicated to improving lives, strengthening communities, and delivering crucial welfare support. If you want a role where you can be genuinely proud of the organisation you represent, and the difference you make every day, this is the place for you.
The Role As Head of Finance, you will play a pivotal role in safeguarding the organisation's financial wellbeing and enabling frontline teams to deliver critical services across the UK and Nepal. Reporting directly to the CEO and working closely with Trustees, you will lead the entire finance function and serve as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team. You will guide strategic decision-making, maintain financial integrity, champion financial governance, and support the organisation's next phase of modernisation, including the introduction of a new finance system.
Key Responsibilities
- Financial Leadership & Strategy - Lead financial strategy, budgeting, forecasting and long-term planning - Provide clear financial insight to Trustees, senior leaders and operational teams - Support organisational strategy with sound financial direction
- Financial Management & Control - Oversee day-to-day finance operations, including payroll, banking and cashflow - Prepare quarterly management accounts and monthly group consolidations - Manage UK and international multi-currency cash flows - Act as the key interface with investment managers - Lead statutory reporting, external audit, and compliance with SORP requirements
- Governance & Compliance - Maintain robust internal controls and oversee internal audits - Lead on fraud prevention and financial policies - Ensure ongoing compliance with Charity Commission and HMRC regulations
- Stakeholder Engagement - Liaise confidently with banks, auditors, advisers, investment managers and government bodies - Support colleagues with grants, project proposals, budgeting and financial oversight - Provide financial advice across all departments and international teams
- Leadership - Lead and develop a UK finance team and support finance colleagues overseas - Provide mentoring and professional development - Serve as Secretary to both the Audit and Investment Committees
About You You are a dynamic, influential and strategic finance leader who thrives in purpose-driven environments. You will bring:
- A recognised accountancy qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
- Charity/third sector experience or the ability to quickly adapt to SORP
- Strong financial reporting, controls and systems confidence
- Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
- Ability to work both strategically and hands-on
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders
- Experience implementing a new finance system
What's on Offer - Hybrid role based in Salisbury, Wiltshire - Full-time, 37.5 hours per week - Competitive salary - 25 days annual leave + bank holidays - Generous pension scheme (up to 10% employer contribution) - Private medical insurance - Free on-site parking - Opportunities to visit overseas programmes and see the impact first-hand - A supportive, passionate and values-driven culture
Interested? Let's Talk. Click 'apply now' to send your CV or contact me directly for a confidential discussion about your career. Emily Oakes - Hays Senior Business Director
Head of Finance in Wickham employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Finance in Wickham
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
β¨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills and experience align with the role of Head of Finance. Highlight your leadership abilities and how you can drive financial excellence in a mission-driven environment.
β¨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining a team that's all about empowering communities and driving impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Finance in Wickham
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Finance role. Highlight your financial leadership and strategic decision-making abilities, as these are key to driving impact in this mission-driven charity.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about the work we do at The Gurkha Welfare Trust. Share specific examples of how your experience can contribute to our mission and how you can empower communities through financial excellence.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: As a Head of Finance, you'll be leading a team. Make sure to include examples of how you've developed high-performing teams in the past. We want to see your mentoring style and how you foster collaboration and growth.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. This way, you can ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, allowing us to review your credentials without delay.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
β¨Know Your Numbers
As the Head of Finance, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of financial metrics and strategies. Brush up on key financial concepts relevant to the charity sector, like SORP compliance and multi-currency management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led financial planning and budgeting in previous roles.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so think about how you can convey your approach to leading teams. Prepare examples of how you've developed high-performing finance teams and mentored colleagues. Highlight your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and foster collaboration across departments.
β¨Align with Their Mission
The Gurkha Welfare Trust is all about making a difference. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your financial expertise can support their goals. Share your passion for working in purpose-driven environments and how you can contribute to their impactful work.
β¨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Think through potential challenges the organisation might face, such as financial governance or compliance issues, and prepare to discuss how you would address them. This will show your proactive approach and readiness for the role.